OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) — John Cross, an Opelika man convicted of the attempted murder of Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy and U.S. Army veteran Tyron Ponds, will be sentenced Monday afternoon, September 30. Cross, who is known by the nickname “Squirrel” due to a misspelled tattoo on his forehead, was found guilty last month by a Lee County jury after about an hour of deliberation. In addition to attempted murder, Cross was convicted of drug possession.
The charges stem from an October 20, 2021, traffic stop on Lee Road 121. Deputy Ponds testified he pulled Cross over for operating a purple motorcycle without a tag. Cross initially complied but fled moments later, leading to a high-speed chase.
Ponds explained after Cross crashed the motorcycle and became pinned underneath, he attempted to provide medical assistance. However, Cross freed himself, ran across the road, and fired multiple shots from an embankment. Ponds returned fire but was struck in both hands and arms. The injuries resulted in permanent damage, including the amputation of Ponds’ left pinky finger and loss of use in his ring finger. A bullet remains lodged in his arm, causing ongoing pain.